I had intended to write about Bacon’s Rebellion today, since on this date in 1676, Nathaniel Bacon published the Declaration of the People of Virginia, outlining the rebels’ demands —and, let’s be honest, also because I am giddy with relief at finishing the final stages of the new book and eager to be doing actual history again—but President Joe Biden gave a surprisingly interesting talk in Freeport, Maine, yesterday that hit my in-box today just as I was sitting down to write about Bacon.
100% Barbara. I am constantly in awe that he knew he was the right person - and the only person - capable of pulling the US out of free fall in that moment and beyond. Also eternally grateful to Congressman James Clyburn for realizing the same thing and putting his power behind making it happen.
Alexandra, absolutely yes—Clyburn’s support was pivotal to Joe’s election, although Joe was in the Senate & Clyburn in the House, I assume (?) he knew how Joe rolled & knew he’d do well by the American people.
I know that I have touted Germany's post-war democracy, likely ad-nauseum.
But a relatively new party, the AFD - Alternative for Germany - is gaining ground. Where it was just an annoyance the past few years, it has now become a hornet's nest, casting aspersions against the democracy that has worked, thanks to George Marshall and his plan that helped Germany create not only a democratic system of government but also a social safety net that the regular folks in the USA can only dream of. The AFD wants to end all that, including the "aliens" which make up much of the work force the average German would rather not be a part of.
AFD is following the MAGA model. It is concerning for decent Germans. They also are watching as AFD seems to creep forward without strong institutional pushback, the pushback we all thought was there to pushback MAGA. But it turned out that the mechanisms and the individuals in place to hold those lines were not strong, when all was said and done. We in A merica are STILL waiting for at least trump to be held accountable. Because it has not happened yet in any effective form, he continues to inspire the dissolve and dismantling of the very institutions we thought would protect us.
Thank you for this information. It is sad, but not surprising that the Right would rise again in Germany. Which makes me wonder: Why do we call those who want to upset democracy “The Right.” Someone will write back about seating in political conclaves. But isn’t it time that we reversed directional names? Medievals saw the left as sinister, superstitious as they were.
Rosalind, A quick search informs that they tout a female orientation. Is that some sort of screen? Anti Euro, immigration and progress it looks like. I wonder how strong the Christian nationalization part might be? Gender equality? Sure, what else? Are they lesbians I wonder. Here in the US we have a number of splinter groups. Looks like they are getting stronger. What is the attraction, in your opinion? What is their weak spot?
I don't know what their weak spot is. I just see that church participation is at a low for both protestants and catholics. The "Free Churches" like the Baptists, Jehovah's Witness, etc. make their presence known. Free Churches are not a part of the "Church Tax system" that accrues to the Catholic Church and the Protestant (Evangelisch) Church.
As far as AFD goes, it wants to get rid of the Euro, keep immigrants at bay, akin to the Republican Party - a populist movement that is gaining momentum. If I didn't answer your question, let me know...
Let’s continue on with the back-patting by voting to keep him there! And to gild the lilly, let’s vote in majorities in the House & Senate….I’d like to see how far classic-car Joe could take us with a full tank of gas!
Providential, it seems. Although, I’d have to acknowledge “Phlegm” was/is as well. Perhaps as we as a collective body of persons of good will become more informed, clear our collective conscience by acknowledging the Truth, and prevailing consequences, of our country’s past and present, we can “guide” providence to the betterment of all.
It does appear to this dear reader, that we are in this together. Like it or not. I am hopeful… always.
Wow! Just wow! I've underestimated the man. This is so groundbreaking and reassuring that I'm glad I waited up for your post. Last night I managed to catch Ian Bremmer's interview with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who's our woman at the United Nations, and that, too, was solid and realistically hopeful. I noted that she's 70 years old, with an impressive career in diplomacy, and I'm thinking that we mustn't judge our leaders on their chronological age alone but their demonstrated abilities.
W’s father was no genius, either. Never had an original idea in his life. Just a schmoozer, whole schmoozer, and nothing but a schmoozer. Damn shame that airplane he was floating on in the Pacific didn’t sink.
Progwoman, Your response to Biden’s talk fully mirrored mine. I have but one disconcerting question. While I got to hear Biden’s words before bed because HCR published them, how much of the country will be afforded the same access? Given we can’t wait 150 years for an astute historian to unearth them and present them as the summation of Biden’s project and vision, the responsibility rests with us not to allow the text to get buried under the din of GOP MAGA nonsense.
We can share them via email or otherwise. I have a favorite list who then share further. It’s the ongoing middle of the night items showing up in inboxes everywhere. It makes me joyful. And Heather writes on Facebook as well. Her posts appear there with a different set of comments and replies. I prefer Substack’s family of generally likeminded supportive people. Hail the chief! Now I can go back to sleep 😴 again with a big smile on my face. God bless Heather Cox Richardson; thank you! ❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️😘
Judith, Thank you for writing. Your comment presents an image of a critical mass sending ripples of influence in an effort to insure Biden’s immeasurably pertinent project gains prominence in public dialogue.
It’s the little things we all can do to spread such words of wisdom and admiration for our very special President Biden by way of Professor Richardson!💃🏼
Judith, I agree and simply would add that it is impossible to foretell when even a single seemingly insignificant effort will produce powerful results.
I, too, share HCR’s newsletter with a list of about 50 people and post her letters on FB this one in particular should be talked about EVERYWHERE. Small actions can reap big benefits. Thank you President Biden and HCR for giving us the chance to be part of the change.
That is a very salient obeservation. How many indeed?
Will Biden's words be introduced in a mocking manner, cuing the deluded into thinking that they are hearing the mutterings of an overwhelmed and decripit old man?
Will they realize the import of those words by reading and interpreting for themselves?
Or will they succumb to the endless narrative of Biden as an elderly man who, although disturbingly feeble to hear them tell it, is touted as The Master Criminal, capable of evading detection for the whole of his career, currently engaged in stuffing his fat pockets with the proceeds from China, while fooling the American people and weakening our "woke" military?
The “resident trolls” are hard at work. I hear “the Biden Crime Family” daily from a Polish immigrant (he grew up in Communist Poland). He arrived in America in 1984, the perfect year for a very intelligent person with his background to begin asking questions about who we are. It’s been an education to see how the politics I was fighting with votes and other actions, were received by an immigrant from Communism.
I have a neighbor from Ecuador who became a US citizen about 10 years ago. He’s my resident troll when I post LFAA daily on FB. Fox viewer. I get the same nonsense. No reasoned thinking, just knee jerk MAGA bs.
Thank you for this post. As my grandson’s wife is Ecuadorian and totally US educated although her parents remain green cards (not certain why), I wonder about your troll. Would he be exceptional?
Adam, Thank you for writing. If I may, I would note, since subscribing to Jessica Craven’s “Chop Wood, Carry Water” Substack, I have received a daily list of actions, the majority of which would not have otherwise come to mind.
I often wish I could share HCR posts with family who support TFG, but know they are not open to reading anything outside their political bubble. It would only antagonize our relationships. I tried “feeling this out” once and felt a rebuff.so, if I share with anyone it is usually “preaching to the choir”, but I also feel there is a huge benefit in learning from HCR a more solid base of history and understanding of our country and what’s at stake.
Deborah, I’m deeply sorry about your experience with certain family members. For what it’s worth, I have found it productive to start by expressing a desire to understand how Trump supporters have arrived at their views, and then using what you have come to understand perhaps to make them less sure of themselves and maybe even receptive to re-examining some of their perceptions. Stated differently, I have come to believe, that when people really feel listened to, they generally, though not always, repay by listening.
“If I were writing a history of the Biden administration 150 years from now, I would call out this informal talk as an articulation of a vision of American leadership, based not in economic expansion, military might, or personalities, or even in policies, but in the strength of the institutions of democracy, preserved through global alliances.”
You beat me to it, Rowshan. I think I have mentioned several times in posts were readers take the Professor to task for not reporting on one of the many topics the daily news stream delivers that she writes for historians to read in 150 years as someone whose main field of expertise is that of 150+ years ago.
HCR's historical diary over the last 4, history live streamed is a remarkable feat. Folks ... HCR must write some every day even on these breathtaking Sundays in Maine. Community check out NEAL KATYAL's interview of HCR last week on the 1857 Dred Scott case. Top 19th Century historian & Top scotus appellate lawyer = superb anaylyses.
NEWS Update: NEAL is working in 2023 with living Dred Scot family members.
I found this a very powerful paragraph as well, Rowshan. It’s still appalling that we have politicians actively fighting against these ideals and goals, despite knowing that our democracy and the institutions that support it are at stake. Let’s hope this country gives the Biden/Harris Administration a second term to continue this critical work.
This is a lovely piece, Heather. I agree with you; we are capable of great things, and lucky to have Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice-President. We know how to do what needs doing. Diversity is our strength; back when I was an undergrad I took a biology course and learned abut hybrid vigor. It's real; let's embrace and celebrate it. Now we must sweep clean the obstacles that block progress.
Which, if you believe in an Almighty Creator, designed this world such that diversity is its strength and beauty. Colors, textures, so many forms of living things - no waste at all... we need to align and appreciate (not fear and denigrate)
President Biden has a vision to lead the United States in the 21st Century. While President Biden is an older American, his vision is that of a young man yearning for freedom. Freedom from want, freedom from fear, and freedom to choose a future. President Biden is freely giving this country a door to opportunity. He is a positive leader that is showing us the way to grow and the way to heal. Thank God the American people choose such a worthy person to lead us, and not a past impingement that would only destroy us.
I like that thought. Many of us with old bodies still have young thoughts and aspirations. We do the best that we can. I think President Biden is remarkable, both physically and mentally.
Yes, Professor’ you highlighted past, present and future, President Biden speaking about our government, our nation, “Our strength is our diversity. It’s about time we begin to use it.”
“[T]he whole world is changing,” Biden said, “But if we grab hold,” he continued, “[t]here’s nothing beyond our capacity.” Of course there will always be the need for change and improvements, but this is a time to highlight accomplishments, recovery and what works in America. Hoping President Biden, Democrats and all the Americans are ready for the next election, continuing progress for every citizen. Beyond political party.
Agreed, For those who appreciate true accomplishments and unifying leadership - exceptional world leadership, nobody can touch Biden as long as I have been alive (I'm about your age).
I say that as one who wanted Elizabeth Warren in the WH. And I still stand with her positions. But Biden has been one of the best surprises of my life. Absolutely wonderful. In this case, I love being wrong.
Contrast Biden’s speeches with, "And I ALONE can fix it," to get a feel for what Independents and late-arriving voters will be hearing in 2024. Stand back and stand by, America.
I’m so glad our President is tooting his own horn! Thank God we elected him and he has been able to undo the damage the previous guy sought to do every day. Biden’s presidency will go down in history as a great one. Let’s hope we’re great enough to give him four more years
Chump blew his own horn every time his lips moved. And he lied every time his lips moved. Great that Joe is honest, knowledgeable, and shares his accomplishments with others, past and present. How Joe needs others to spread the word, at least as far and as fast as the fox and clones.
Joe Biden - who I still have a grudge against him for deep-sixing Anita Hill - may be blowing his own horn, but let's give him credit for crediting all the people and entities the credit. As far as I know, he's doing what any great conductor does: s/he credits the orchestra and not himself. T, on the other hand, would never be able to give credit to any part of his orchestra. He sees only himself, like the evil queen in Snow White: "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"
Rosiland, consider the premiss: people reflect the culture in which they grow through insight they gain with experiences. Biden demonstrates growth and with awareness and experience he did change. Another premiss: a person can change
I hear you about Anita Hill, Rosalind, and I equally give JB credit for all that he has accomplished during his term in office. I can’t imagine what this country would have become without him -- following what that former maggot did to destroy it!
Joe Biden is the heart and soul of American greatness. He provides a roadmap for the future as well as a recognition of the consequences of failed past policies and our need to make reparations for the harms we have caused.
Talia, maybe because he quietly gets the job done instead of strutting around tooting his own horn. If only the media would refrain from constantly covering the clown show (train-wreck ratings!) and instead show REAL accomplishments more folk would be informed. Sadly, even the “news” seems partisan these days.
Oh C'mon Jeri.. "They" haven't "failed" us. Let's face it, Bad News sells. We, on the other hand, have finally had enough and are scittering around trying to regain lost ground. We, have our less than ethical 'legal scholars' (a stretch of the term scholars) to thank for carrying this load of manure. And from the legal/schmeagle standpoint it has been very difficult to take them to task on their un-American behavior.
Although I agree with all that you said, I still think though our news services have failed us too. I understand the "business model" but like education or healthcare, the sharing of news and pertinent information with the citizenry should not be a profit driven enterprise, in my opinion.
Yes, but "free" enterprise can only free if it is kept free. If there is no "profit" in some way shape or form which embodies freeedom, then we will descend into what the authoritarian country's have: Basic Gulag Archipelago. They are used to it, and it's just what they are used to dealing with. It's a 'suffering' existence. We do not want that here, but most people have no conception it exists. One must read about it, then digest it.
Because "news" - just like healthcare and prisons - are profit centers. All that matters to the "news" companies is ad revenue and shareholder value. Sensationalism sells - truth be damned.
America needs a permanently government funded fully independent news service. TV, YouTube, FM and AM. Yes, AM. We know why. Just factual reporting.
The only relatively impartial source is NPR/PBS. But even they are too "careful" and frequently don't call a spade a spade. But still infinitely better than the alphabet soup money grubbers.
I suspect you and many of the readers here remember when the closest thing we ever had to truly independent news reporting on the tube was when the news divisions were separate entities from the entertainment divisions. Their charters were to get the stories first and report them accurately. They were competitive but their efforts were not totally driven by advertisers.
The entertainment divisions subsidized the news divisions. When CBS was number one with Walter Cronkite, it was a matter of pride. Plus, if viewers tuned into Cronkite, they might leave the dial where it was and watch the highly advertised pablum to follow. And "that's the way it was (is)...."
Walter wasn't perfect. Who is? But I remember people trusting him along with Eric, Chet, David and many other journalists. Essentially they passed their batons to The NewsHour. Not bad but, not tough enough. JMO.
Bill, I was just talking to a friend about Walter Cronkite the other night and saying we need more people like that now. Unfortunately, we now have to search to find true journalists/newscasters that care only about the truth and getting it out there to the general public.
"Careful" news organizations like NPR have allowed our populations' awareness to slide into a team spirit that leaves out much of the population.
Having worked decades in the Democratic party, defending resolutions on many issues including especially economic issues, I've seen top leaders ignore the grassroots of the party and listen instead to megadonors. Passage of NAFTA was accomplished over the objections of the people who constitute the party, and here in NC the farmers and textile workers who were directly harmed became vulnerable to the lies of the even worse Republicans who captured a noticeable percentage of the public. We now suffer a supermajority in a legislature attacking our university system, family decisionmaking (the majority of women turning to Planned Parenthood for abortions have been moms who already have as many kids as they can responsibly handle) and a host of perilous initiatives.
Mocking those who fall for Republican disinformation is robbing us of an honest discussion of the plight of ordinary people at the hands of plutocratic forces in elections, Supreme Court selection process and the war industries.
I love what Biden is saying, but too many people are living other realities.
Jerry, I am a NAFTA supporter. It was not perfect and needed to be tweaked a bit. Change is hard for legacy industries here in the US, to be sure. Mills and small farms could be history, so I take the long economic view. Grow, adapt or close shop and move on is the reality.
Right or wrong, the NAFTA deal wiped out the jobs many farm family members in NC had in textile mills (as a photoographer on assignment for Hanes Mills I was surprised at the time, to learn that what most of us would consider a meager income was all that many farm families had between harvest times, for medical, shoes for kids, etc). Many others were left bitter at Democratic leadership and VULNERABLE to Republican disinfo of various kinds. I was personally not harmed but in fact benefited from an assignment to document a seminar abroad for NC schoolteachers who traveled to Mexico in 2000 to learn cultural and economic background and causes of major numbers of Mexican families' children arriving in NC classrooms. While a number of billionaires were created in Mexico after NAFTA, thousands of small businesses had to "close shop." We travelers each had lodging in homes of Mexican families. My hostess asked what brought me to Mexico and I said, curiosity about economic factors like NAFTA. She wept. "NAFTA wiped out my bookstore," she said, "as well as many other businesses in my community." The aid promised for job transitions looked good in print but the worst liars on the political scene got campaign money while the concentration of wealth that undermines our politics in the extreme, had a cheerful leap forward.
When he said that WE polluted the world, and made a lot of money doing it, it made me think of the reason I will always respect Paul Keating, no matter how far off the rails he goes otherwise: the Redfern speech. It was Joe Biden's Redfern moment.
Wonderful column. Biden inspires, rising out of the political muck, his eye on the ball, the focus on what needs to be done and why. I hope he repeats and embellishes this theme over and over again. Truly visionary.
Well, not quite the doddering, bumbling old fogey with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.
Real leadership; any way one could define that term.
Given the roster of Republican alternatives, besides tfg, who, hopefully, will be out of the picture by November ‘24, it seems a second term for Joe Biden is essential.
I believe Biden can win a second term, but we all have to work like crazy to make sure. “The Other Side” is very determined as well, and there are millions of them who will vote. Let’s make sure we get the young committed and disenfranchised voters alike, to go to the polls! Thank you Ralph, for your hopefulness. We all need that right now and for the coming days and months.
What to do about all the cheating…it is real, it is widespread, it is clever, it is aspiring to be legal. They don’t even listen to the SC which is as bent and twisted as The Contorta
Many of the readers are retired. Some of us have the funds to do the following, those who have time but no money can contact the organizations--I posted this above;--as the letters, at least, will mail materials to you.
You commit to writing at least 5 postcards or (on votefwd.org) 10 letters, which is easily done. I find the postcards took me more time as my arthritic hands need to neatly write what they say, plus add a line of my own. The letters are forms that you print on your computer, you need to merely add a line or two of your own thoughts.
I need no more tchotchkes in my life, so I told everyone that a single strip stamps is a great gift to me.
After reading this, I am immensely grateful you wrote about history, after all, as you stated. The last paragraph was excellent; I look forward to reading it repeatedly. Thank you for what you bring to this weary traveler during our tumultuous times.
While Joe Biden was in Freeport, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was in Boston for the NAACP Annual Conference. He spoke to a crowd about the plan by white supremacists to stack the court ever since Brown V. Board of Education decision in 1954, in which all 9 justices ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Now we see that the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling majority has dismantled so much of democratic freedom, the supremacists have achieved their goal, but they aren't done yet. So I wish Joe Biden's vision of democracy 10 years from now included a Supreme Court with justices who uphold democratic ideals.
This same meeting was graced by the appearance of Vice President Kamala Harris. She focused on the upcoming elections and the need to vote in even larger numbers than 2020. But no mention of Biden adding more justices to the court. How do we restore democracy if we don't have a plan to deal with the Supreme Court?
Dems need to control the WH and both houses of Congress to make expansions happen. That first. Then - and in my view only then - can we make a case for it to mirror the rest of the judiciary.
“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.”
Mic drop. Awesome….thanks for sharing Joe’s words/thoughts with us. Seems like he came along just when we needed him most.
100% Barbara. I am constantly in awe that he knew he was the right person - and the only person - capable of pulling the US out of free fall in that moment and beyond. Also eternally grateful to Congressman James Clyburn for realizing the same thing and putting his power behind making it happen.
Alexandra, absolutely yes—Clyburn’s support was pivotal to Joe’s election, although Joe was in the Senate & Clyburn in the House, I assume (?) he knew how Joe rolled & knew he’d do well by the American people.
Joe Biden, a common ordinary man showing uncommon courage and compassion and doing extraordinary things. And that’s no malarkey
I know that I have touted Germany's post-war democracy, likely ad-nauseum.
But a relatively new party, the AFD - Alternative for Germany - is gaining ground. Where it was just an annoyance the past few years, it has now become a hornet's nest, casting aspersions against the democracy that has worked, thanks to George Marshall and his plan that helped Germany create not only a democratic system of government but also a social safety net that the regular folks in the USA can only dream of. The AFD wants to end all that, including the "aliens" which make up much of the work force the average German would rather not be a part of.
The cretins never sleep for long, how very depressing that the world is seeing a resurgence of the evil that so many died to overcome.
The cockroaches come out in the quiet of darkness to feast on what others provide
The cockroaches are barely disguised these days
I am thankful for the light that allows us to see who the cockroaches are. It’s much better than allowing them to multiply in the darkness.
AFD is following the MAGA model. It is concerning for decent Germans. They also are watching as AFD seems to creep forward without strong institutional pushback, the pushback we all thought was there to pushback MAGA. But it turned out that the mechanisms and the individuals in place to hold those lines were not strong, when all was said and done. We in A merica are STILL waiting for at least trump to be held accountable. Because it has not happened yet in any effective form, he continues to inspire the dissolve and dismantling of the very institutions we thought would protect us.
Thank you for this information. It is sad, but not surprising that the Right would rise again in Germany. Which makes me wonder: Why do we call those who want to upset democracy “The Right.” Someone will write back about seating in political conclaves. But isn’t it time that we reversed directional names? Medievals saw the left as sinister, superstitious as they were.
I think traditionally it was simply where the members sat in Parliament or in the House or Senate chambers, although I could be wrong about this.
I think you’re right (🤣), as I vaguely remember the same. Never thought how important the “distinction” could become.
Rosalind, A quick search informs that they tout a female orientation. Is that some sort of screen? Anti Euro, immigration and progress it looks like. I wonder how strong the Christian nationalization part might be? Gender equality? Sure, what else? Are they lesbians I wonder. Here in the US we have a number of splinter groups. Looks like they are getting stronger. What is the attraction, in your opinion? What is their weak spot?
I don't know what their weak spot is. I just see that church participation is at a low for both protestants and catholics. The "Free Churches" like the Baptists, Jehovah's Witness, etc. make their presence known. Free Churches are not a part of the "Church Tax system" that accrues to the Catholic Church and the Protestant (Evangelisch) Church.
As far as AFD goes, it wants to get rid of the Euro, keep immigrants at bay, akin to the Republican Party - a populist movement that is gaining momentum. If I didn't answer your question, let me know...
Absolutely, though I guess we get a pat on the back for putting him there.
Let’s continue on with the back-patting by voting to keep him there! And to gild the lilly, let’s vote in majorities in the House & Senate….I’d like to see how far classic-car Joe could take us with a full tank of gas!
Providential, it seems. Although, I’d have to acknowledge “Phlegm” was/is as well. Perhaps as we as a collective body of persons of good will become more informed, clear our collective conscience by acknowledging the Truth, and prevailing consequences, of our country’s past and present, we can “guide” providence to the betterment of all.
It does appear to this dear reader, that we are in this together. Like it or not. I am hopeful… always.
Wow! Just wow! I've underestimated the man. This is so groundbreaking and reassuring that I'm glad I waited up for your post. Last night I managed to catch Ian Bremmer's interview with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who's our woman at the United Nations, and that, too, was solid and realistically hopeful. I noted that she's 70 years old, with an impressive career in diplomacy, and I'm thinking that we mustn't judge our leaders on their chronological age alone but their demonstrated abilities.
Experience matters.
That became abundantly clear with W and chump.
W’s father was no genius, either. Never had an original idea in his life. Just a schmoozer, whole schmoozer, and nothing but a schmoozer. Damn shame that airplane he was floating on in the Pacific didn’t sink.
The “thousand points of light” paired with the Willie Horton ad really chapped me. The only thing he was right about was Voodoo economics
Progwoman, Your response to Biden’s talk fully mirrored mine. I have but one disconcerting question. While I got to hear Biden’s words before bed because HCR published them, how much of the country will be afforded the same access? Given we can’t wait 150 years for an astute historian to unearth them and present them as the summation of Biden’s project and vision, the responsibility rests with us not to allow the text to get buried under the din of GOP MAGA nonsense.
We can share them via email or otherwise. I have a favorite list who then share further. It’s the ongoing middle of the night items showing up in inboxes everywhere. It makes me joyful. And Heather writes on Facebook as well. Her posts appear there with a different set of comments and replies. I prefer Substack’s family of generally likeminded supportive people. Hail the chief! Now I can go back to sleep 😴 again with a big smile on my face. God bless Heather Cox Richardson; thank you! ❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️😘
Judith, Thank you for writing. Your comment presents an image of a critical mass sending ripples of influence in an effort to insure Biden’s immeasurably pertinent project gains prominence in public dialogue.
It’s the little things we all can do to spread such words of wisdom and admiration for our very special President Biden by way of Professor Richardson!💃🏼
Judith, I agree and simply would add that it is impossible to foretell when even a single seemingly insignificant effort will produce powerful results.
Exactly! 😴
I, too, share HCR’s newsletter with a list of about 50 people and post her letters on FB this one in particular should be talked about EVERYWHERE. Small actions can reap big benefits. Thank you President Biden and HCR for giving us the chance to be part of the change.
That is a very salient obeservation. How many indeed?
Will Biden's words be introduced in a mocking manner, cuing the deluded into thinking that they are hearing the mutterings of an overwhelmed and decripit old man?
Will they realize the import of those words by reading and interpreting for themselves?
Or will they succumb to the endless narrative of Biden as an elderly man who, although disturbingly feeble to hear them tell it, is touted as The Master Criminal, capable of evading detection for the whole of his career, currently engaged in stuffing his fat pockets with the proceeds from China, while fooling the American people and weakening our "woke" military?
It's amazing what some folken will swallow.
Witness our resident trolls.
The “resident trolls” are hard at work. I hear “the Biden Crime Family” daily from a Polish immigrant (he grew up in Communist Poland). He arrived in America in 1984, the perfect year for a very intelligent person with his background to begin asking questions about who we are. It’s been an education to see how the politics I was fighting with votes and other actions, were received by an immigrant from Communism.
I have a neighbor from Ecuador who became a US citizen about 10 years ago. He’s my resident troll when I post LFAA daily on FB. Fox viewer. I get the same nonsense. No reasoned thinking, just knee jerk MAGA bs.
Thank you for this post. As my grandson’s wife is Ecuadorian and totally US educated although her parents remain green cards (not certain why), I wonder about your troll. Would he be exceptional?
Adam, While every one of your concerns is plausible, we mitigate them by doing the work.
But of course Barbara. I try to do my part and share with people who need to build their civic education, so to speak.
I attempt to engage everyone in an appropriate manner, but will not hesitate to torch an especially obnoxious troll.
And I try to post some thoughtful commentary, should I feel so moved as to comment on a particular topic or nuance.
Adam, Thank you for writing. If I may, I would note, since subscribing to Jessica Craven’s “Chop Wood, Carry Water” Substack, I have received a daily list of actions, the majority of which would not have otherwise come to mind.
Is that so? I'm not familiar with than one but I'll look into it. Thank you for the tip Barbara.
I often wish I could share HCR posts with family who support TFG, but know they are not open to reading anything outside their political bubble. It would only antagonize our relationships. I tried “feeling this out” once and felt a rebuff.so, if I share with anyone it is usually “preaching to the choir”, but I also feel there is a huge benefit in learning from HCR a more solid base of history and understanding of our country and what’s at stake.
Deborah, I’m deeply sorry about your experience with certain family members. For what it’s worth, I have found it productive to start by expressing a desire to understand how Trump supporters have arrived at their views, and then using what you have come to understand perhaps to make them less sure of themselves and maybe even receptive to re-examining some of their perceptions. Stated differently, I have come to believe, that when people really feel listened to, they generally, though not always, repay by listening.
Wisdom comes from experience
Sometimes. Frankly, I haven't heard it expressed as often as I'd like. And this was refreshing.
Amen
“If I were writing a history of the Biden administration 150 years from now, I would call out this informal talk as an articulation of a vision of American leadership, based not in economic expansion, military might, or personalities, or even in policies, but in the strength of the institutions of democracy, preserved through global alliances.”
A perfect bird’s eye view of a future assessment!
Exactly the quote I was going to cite from this essay, as a perfect TLDR.
You beat me to it, Rowshan. I think I have mentioned several times in posts were readers take the Professor to task for not reporting on one of the many topics the daily news stream delivers that she writes for historians to read in 150 years as someone whose main field of expertise is that of 150+ years ago.
HCR's historical diary over the last 4, history live streamed is a remarkable feat. Folks ... HCR must write some every day even on these breathtaking Sundays in Maine. Community check out NEAL KATYAL's interview of HCR last week on the 1857 Dred Scott case. Top 19th Century historian & Top scotus appellate lawyer = superb anaylyses.
NEWS Update: NEAL is working in 2023 with living Dred Scot family members.
I found this a very powerful paragraph as well, Rowshan. It’s still appalling that we have politicians actively fighting against these ideals and goals, despite knowing that our democracy and the institutions that support it are at stake. Let’s hope this country gives the Biden/Harris Administration a second term to continue this critical work.
This is a lovely piece, Heather. I agree with you; we are capable of great things, and lucky to have Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice-President. We know how to do what needs doing. Diversity is our strength; back when I was an undergrad I took a biology course and learned abut hybrid vigor. It's real; let's embrace and celebrate it. Now we must sweep clean the obstacles that block progress.
Hybrid vigor, I like that
Which, if you believe in an Almighty Creator, designed this world such that diversity is its strength and beauty. Colors, textures, so many forms of living things - no waste at all... we need to align and appreciate (not fear and denigrate)
President Biden has a vision to lead the United States in the 21st Century. While President Biden is an older American, his vision is that of a young man yearning for freedom. Freedom from want, freedom from fear, and freedom to choose a future. President Biden is freely giving this country a door to opportunity. He is a positive leader that is showing us the way to grow and the way to heal. Thank God the American people choose such a worthy person to lead us, and not a past impingement that would only destroy us.
Great response! You are so correct, Joe Biden is ageless in his vision.
Optimism vs. Pessimism, Hope vs. Fear. Expansion vs. Contraction. Yes, that’s how I wish to live! Well said!
I would add Inclusion vs Exclusion.
Oh yes!
Thank you 4 ft.
I like that thought. Many of us with old bodies still have young thoughts and aspirations. We do the best that we can. I think President Biden is remarkable, both physically and mentally.
Well put, four feet
Yes, Professor’ you highlighted past, present and future, President Biden speaking about our government, our nation, “Our strength is our diversity. It’s about time we begin to use it.”
“[T]he whole world is changing,” Biden said, “But if we grab hold,” he continued, “[t]here’s nothing beyond our capacity.” Of course there will always be the need for change and improvements, but this is a time to highlight accomplishments, recovery and what works in America. Hoping President Biden, Democrats and all the Americans are ready for the next election, continuing progress for every citizen. Beyond political party.
The best president of my lifetime. And my political life began by hanging "door knockers" for JFK as a teenager.
Agreed, For those who appreciate true accomplishments and unifying leadership - exceptional world leadership, nobody can touch Biden as long as I have been alive (I'm about your age).
I say that as one who wanted Elizabeth Warren in the WH. And I still stand with her positions. But Biden has been one of the best surprises of my life. Absolutely wonderful. In this case, I love being wrong.
Same here.
Contrast Biden’s speeches with, "And I ALONE can fix it," to get a feel for what Independents and late-arriving voters will be hearing in 2024. Stand back and stand by, America.
Contrast, yes. But there is no comparison.
I’m so glad our President is tooting his own horn! Thank God we elected him and he has been able to undo the damage the previous guy sought to do every day. Biden’s presidency will go down in history as a great one. Let’s hope we’re great enough to give him four more years
Chump blew his own horn every time his lips moved. And he lied every time his lips moved. Great that Joe is honest, knowledgeable, and shares his accomplishments with others, past and present. How Joe needs others to spread the word, at least as far and as fast as the fox and clones.
Joe Biden - who I still have a grudge against him for deep-sixing Anita Hill - may be blowing his own horn, but let's give him credit for crediting all the people and entities the credit. As far as I know, he's doing what any great conductor does: s/he credits the orchestra and not himself. T, on the other hand, would never be able to give credit to any part of his orchestra. He sees only himself, like the evil queen in Snow White: "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"
It is only himself that he sees.
Rosiland, consider the premiss: people reflect the culture in which they grow through insight they gain with experiences. Biden demonstrates growth and with awareness and experience he did change. Another premiss: a person can change
I hear you about Anita Hill, Rosalind, and I equally give JB credit for all that he has accomplished during his term in office. I can’t imagine what this country would have become without him -- following what that former maggot did to destroy it!
Amazing speech. Thank you for sharing this.
Joe Biden is the heart and soul of American greatness. He provides a roadmap for the future as well as a recognition of the consequences of failed past policies and our need to make reparations for the harms we have caused.
We can build back better.
We in Australia are astounded at how underappreciated this amazing man is in his own country.
Talia, maybe because he quietly gets the job done instead of strutting around tooting his own horn. If only the media would refrain from constantly covering the clown show (train-wreck ratings!) and instead show REAL accomplishments more folk would be informed. Sadly, even the “news” seems partisan these days.
Last sentence really burns me to a crisp. They have failed us.
Oh C'mon Jeri.. "They" haven't "failed" us. Let's face it, Bad News sells. We, on the other hand, have finally had enough and are scittering around trying to regain lost ground. We, have our less than ethical 'legal scholars' (a stretch of the term scholars) to thank for carrying this load of manure. And from the legal/schmeagle standpoint it has been very difficult to take them to task on their un-American behavior.
Although I agree with all that you said, I still think though our news services have failed us too. I understand the "business model" but like education or healthcare, the sharing of news and pertinent information with the citizenry should not be a profit driven enterprise, in my opinion.
Yes, but "free" enterprise can only free if it is kept free. If there is no "profit" in some way shape or form which embodies freeedom, then we will descend into what the authoritarian country's have: Basic Gulag Archipelago. They are used to it, and it's just what they are used to dealing with. It's a 'suffering' existence. We do not want that here, but most people have no conception it exists. One must read about it, then digest it.
Damn difficullt, and it continues
Because "news" - just like healthcare and prisons - are profit centers. All that matters to the "news" companies is ad revenue and shareholder value. Sensationalism sells - truth be damned.
America needs a permanently government funded fully independent news service. TV, YouTube, FM and AM. Yes, AM. We know why. Just factual reporting.
The only relatively impartial source is NPR/PBS. But even they are too "careful" and frequently don't call a spade a spade. But still infinitely better than the alphabet soup money grubbers.
I suspect you and many of the readers here remember when the closest thing we ever had to truly independent news reporting on the tube was when the news divisions were separate entities from the entertainment divisions. Their charters were to get the stories first and report them accurately. They were competitive but their efforts were not totally driven by advertisers.
The entertainment divisions subsidized the news divisions. When CBS was number one with Walter Cronkite, it was a matter of pride. Plus, if viewers tuned into Cronkite, they might leave the dial where it was and watch the highly advertised pablum to follow. And "that's the way it was (is)...."
Walter wasn't perfect. Who is? But I remember people trusting him along with Eric, Chet, David and many other journalists. Essentially they passed their batons to The NewsHour. Not bad but, not tough enough. JMO.
AP and Reuters are my go to. Various Substacks give me context. Plus Rachel, always Rachel.
Bill, I was just talking to a friend about Walter Cronkite the other night and saying we need more people like that now. Unfortunately, we now have to search to find true journalists/newscasters that care only about the truth and getting it out there to the general public.
"Careful" news organizations like NPR have allowed our populations' awareness to slide into a team spirit that leaves out much of the population.
Having worked decades in the Democratic party, defending resolutions on many issues including especially economic issues, I've seen top leaders ignore the grassroots of the party and listen instead to megadonors. Passage of NAFTA was accomplished over the objections of the people who constitute the party, and here in NC the farmers and textile workers who were directly harmed became vulnerable to the lies of the even worse Republicans who captured a noticeable percentage of the public. We now suffer a supermajority in a legislature attacking our university system, family decisionmaking (the majority of women turning to Planned Parenthood for abortions have been moms who already have as many kids as they can responsibly handle) and a host of perilous initiatives.
Mocking those who fall for Republican disinformation is robbing us of an honest discussion of the plight of ordinary people at the hands of plutocratic forces in elections, Supreme Court selection process and the war industries.
I love what Biden is saying, but too many people are living other realities.
Jerry, I am a NAFTA supporter. It was not perfect and needed to be tweaked a bit. Change is hard for legacy industries here in the US, to be sure. Mills and small farms could be history, so I take the long economic view. Grow, adapt or close shop and move on is the reality.
Right or wrong, the NAFTA deal wiped out the jobs many farm family members in NC had in textile mills (as a photoographer on assignment for Hanes Mills I was surprised at the time, to learn that what most of us would consider a meager income was all that many farm families had between harvest times, for medical, shoes for kids, etc). Many others were left bitter at Democratic leadership and VULNERABLE to Republican disinfo of various kinds. I was personally not harmed but in fact benefited from an assignment to document a seminar abroad for NC schoolteachers who traveled to Mexico in 2000 to learn cultural and economic background and causes of major numbers of Mexican families' children arriving in NC classrooms. While a number of billionaires were created in Mexico after NAFTA, thousands of small businesses had to "close shop." We travelers each had lodging in homes of Mexican families. My hostess asked what brought me to Mexico and I said, curiosity about economic factors like NAFTA. She wept. "NAFTA wiped out my bookstore," she said, "as well as many other businesses in my community." The aid promised for job transitions looked good in print but the worst liars on the political scene got campaign money while the concentration of wealth that undermines our politics in the extreme, had a cheerful leap forward.
When he said that WE polluted the world, and made a lot of money doing it, it made me think of the reason I will always respect Paul Keating, no matter how far off the rails he goes otherwise: the Redfern speech. It was Joe Biden's Redfern moment.
Yeah, you can’t make amends if you don’t acknowledge what’s been done.
Agreed. One more reason to hate the erasing of history the RW's are promoting.
Rosa Parks made a stand that has no meaning if you take "race" out of it.
Then you get, that lady refused to give up her seat to a man. Why is that important? Or some guy named MLK had a dream. So what?
Wonderful column. Biden inspires, rising out of the political muck, his eye on the ball, the focus on what needs to be done and why. I hope he repeats and embellishes this theme over and over again. Truly visionary.
Well, not quite the doddering, bumbling old fogey with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.
Real leadership; any way one could define that term.
Given the roster of Republican alternatives, besides tfg, who, hopefully, will be out of the picture by November ‘24, it seems a second term for Joe Biden is essential.
More than essential, the earth’s survival depends on sanity at the top
I believe Biden can win a second term, but we all have to work like crazy to make sure. “The Other Side” is very determined as well, and there are millions of them who will vote. Let’s make sure we get the young committed and disenfranchised voters alike, to go to the polls! Thank you Ralph, for your hopefulness. We all need that right now and for the coming days and months.
What to do about all the cheating…it is real, it is widespread, it is clever, it is aspiring to be legal. They don’t even listen to the SC which is as bent and twisted as The Contorta
Marc Elias is doing amazing work on this front. Anyone who is able to lend support can trust it is wisely given.
https://www.elias.law/team/marc-elias
https://www.democracydocket.com/
He also was quoted as saying that we cannot outvote voter suppression. Laws in Texas have made republican voter suppression the LAW.
Many of the readers are retired. Some of us have the funds to do the following, those who have time but no money can contact the organizations--I posted this above;--as the letters, at least, will mail materials to you.
postcardstovoters.org
votefwd.org
You commit to writing at least 5 postcards or (on votefwd.org) 10 letters, which is easily done. I find the postcards took me more time as my arthritic hands need to neatly write what they say, plus add a line of my own. The letters are forms that you print on your computer, you need to merely add a line or two of your own thoughts.
I need no more tchotchkes in my life, so I told everyone that a single strip stamps is a great gift to me.
Powerful. Thank you for showing its power. Congratulations on your book!
After reading this, I am immensely grateful you wrote about history, after all, as you stated. The last paragraph was excellent; I look forward to reading it repeatedly. Thank you for what you bring to this weary traveler during our tumultuous times.
While Joe Biden was in Freeport, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was in Boston for the NAACP Annual Conference. He spoke to a crowd about the plan by white supremacists to stack the court ever since Brown V. Board of Education decision in 1954, in which all 9 justices ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Now we see that the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling majority has dismantled so much of democratic freedom, the supremacists have achieved their goal, but they aren't done yet. So I wish Joe Biden's vision of democracy 10 years from now included a Supreme Court with justices who uphold democratic ideals.
This same meeting was graced by the appearance of Vice President Kamala Harris. She focused on the upcoming elections and the need to vote in even larger numbers than 2020. But no mention of Biden adding more justices to the court. How do we restore democracy if we don't have a plan to deal with the Supreme Court?
Dems need to control the WH and both houses of Congress to make expansions happen. That first. Then - and in my view only then - can we make a case for it to mirror the rest of the judiciary.
Even LFAA comments renders important news. Thank you!
Democrats must hold a majority first.
“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.”
Abraham Lincoln, 1862 annual message to Congress
Great quote, fits like a glove